'Intelligent, good-humoured, respectful': Tributes paid to Dewsbury brothers who drowned at sea

The bodies of Muhammad Azhar Shabbir, 18, and Ali Athar Shabbir, 16, from Dewsbury, were found at sea off the coast of St Annes around 3pm on Sunday.

The tragic discovery was made by HM Coastguard and RNLI volunteers, a mile away from where the boys had last been seen on Saturday evening.

Sam Vickers, Headteacher at Upper Batley High School, said: “Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the family at this deeply sad time.

“Muhammad Shabbir and Ali Athar Shabbir were both students at Upper Batley High School, and we have such fond, heartfelt memories of them both.

“Muhammad left us just a couple of years ago and Ali Athar would have been collecting his GCSE results this week.

“These were two very intelligent, good-humoured, respectful and well-mannered boys.

“They were popular in school with staff and students alike, and will be missed by a great many.

“These two young men had such bright, successful futures ahead of them.

“Both boys had such a wide array of skills and talents, and were excited about what the future held for them. They were also wonderful brothers and family meant the world to them.

"They helped look after younger siblings and were mature and responsible.

“It’s such a deeply sad loss, and our most heartfelt condolences go out to the whole family.

“Our School Council is already in talks about the tribute we can pay to these boys and how we can remember their legacy here in school.

“We’re enormously thankful that Hamza, 15, their cousin, managed to swim to safety and we pray for his swift recovery in hospital.”

The HM coastguard and rescue teams, Lancashire Police, and in particular the RNLI, were also thanked for the ‘brave’ search work undertaken.

Det Sgt John McNamara of Lancashire Police said: “Awful news. I’m thinking of those two lads and their families.

“A mention too for the rescue teams and Police who I know will have worked tirelessly to find them. They’ll equally be gutted tonight.

“Such a tragic incident. My thoughts with all.”

Kirklees Council have also paid its respects to the Dewsbury brothers.

Council leader Shabir Pandor represented the authority for the tribute.

He said: “This is absolutely heart-breaking news and is not something any family should have to go through.

“My heart goes out to the friends, family and the community of Dewsbury who will all be devastated by the tragic loss of life of two local youngsters from Dewsbury.

“My thoughts are with these two boys and their family at what must be a truly devastating time.

“I would also like to thank the emergency services and rescue teams who I know worked tirelessly to find them.”

People across the Fylde coast have expressed their shock at the tragedy, whilst paying tribute to the brothers and the efforts of the rescue workers who had searched tirelessly for them.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: “Their family have been notified and are continuing to be supported by a specially trained officer.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with them and their friends at this incredibly distressing time.”

Tom Powell, acting station manager for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, tweeted: “A tragic day in Lytham & St Anne’s yesterday with two separate missing persons incidents.

“RIP Muhammad and Ali.”

With significant numbers of people expected to take to the water this summer, HM Coastguard is asking everyone to take care in extraordinary times.

Sea-based activities are now allowed once again in England under the new Government guidelines, but, now more than ever people need to respect the coastline.

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard said: “In England, people need to respect the sea and coast.

"Whatever your ability or experience in your chosen sport or leisure activity, the sea can still catch you out and be unmerciful when it does.”